(866) 963-3157
There are only two types of garage door springs that are installed on the garage door. The first one is extension springs and the other one is garage door torsion springs. But if you are confused as to what types of garage door springs will be the best for your garage, then this article is for you to read. In this article, I am going to compare these two springs and help you choose the best one. So, you need to stick with this article till the very end so that you don’t miss any important information. But let’s first discuss how these garage door springs work:
How Garage Door Torsion Springs Work
Torsion springs are of heavy-gauge steel wire coils. These springs utilize torque to counterbalance the heavy weight of a garage door. Therefore, it helps in the smooth and steady operation of your garage door. Furthermore, when the garage door opens or closes, then these torsion springs twist and untwist; therefore, it enables an effective counterbalance of a garage door.
Torsion springs are usually located above the garage door. These types of springs can also be found horizontally positioned on the torsion bars that are in close proximity to garage openings.
How Extension Springs Work?
Extension springs are traditional types of garage door springs. These springs are connected to the cables that make it easy to open your garage door. When you open the door, then these springs drawback; therefore, they pull the cables at very high speed while handling the weight of a garage door.
Extension springs are effective springs in the process of helping your garage door move against gravity. But these springs do not offer as much balanced or smooth operation for your garage door as those torsion springs are known to offer.
Why Garage Door Springs are Important for a Garage Door?
It is true that a garage door opener is necessary for the automatic operation of a garage door. But the real work is done by garage door springs. These springs effectively balance the weight of a garage door. Furthermore, it ensures the stable operation of a garage door. So as a result, it will enhance the functionality of a garage door. But in terms of durability, the torsion springs are always the best choice.
Garage Door Torsion Springs Vs Extension Springs
There are a lot of differences when we compare these two types of springs. Whether it is quality, safety issues, or usage, these two springs are very different from each other. Below I am comparing these two springs thoroughly in order to help you install the best garage door springs.
Which Ones Are More Durable?
Torsion springs are highly durable springs that can last for around 15000 cycles. One cycle means one-time opening or closing your garage door. Furthermore, torsion springs are sturdier than extension springs. So, it is clear that these springs will not have effects of wear and tear for many years to come.
And when it comes to the extension springs, they can last around 10,000 cycles. So, if you open your garage door multiple times a day, then these types of springs will not last for long. Extension springs show the effects of wear and tear sooner than those torsion springs.
So, it is best to install garage door torsion springs for durability and longevity. Moreover, you don’t have to spend extra money on replacements and repairs for a long time.
Which Types of Springs Offer Controlled Motion?
If you have installed extension springs, then most of the time they cause some shaky motion. This happens because when you open a garage door, then there is a lot of pressure. Once the pressure is released, the garage door operates at a very high speed. Therefore it creates those jerking movements for your door. Extension springs are not known for a smooth and stable opening as well as the closing of a garage door.
On the other hand, when we talk about torsion springs, then they are known to keep your garage door in proper balance. This is because torsion springs balance the weight of your garage door effectively. They hold an equal weight of your door on both sides of your garage door. So consequently, there is no shaky or unstable movement while you open or close your garage door. On top of this, your garage door will not be out of alignment.
In the case of extension springs, there are more adjustments and repairs that you have to do. So, in a short time, these springs tend to have the effects of wear and tear. When the door is out of alignment, then it can damage other components of your garage door.
Therefore, it is always the best choice to install garage door torsion springs for a controlled and steady motion of your garage door.
Which Types of Springs Are More Safer?
Extension springs have the early effects of wear and tear so they can break or snap suddenly. Additionally, you will notice a loud bang when these types of springs break. When these springs break, then they can fly off through car windshields, and garage windows or can hit anyone or anything present in the garage room. Extension springs are known to cause serious injury and in some cases even death.
Garage door torsion springs are a safer choice to install in your garage door. When these types of springs break, they do not fly off and hit anyone or anything. It is possible that you might hear a loud bang, but they will stay on the shaft. That is why torsion springs are a much better investment for your garage door. But if you see broken springs, then you should not forget to call garage door professional technicians immediately. They will suggest to you the best advice on whether you should repair or replace torsion springs.
